Early Background and Inspiration

Chris Bass, CEO and co-founder of InventoRR MD and AbClo, has always been driven by curiosity and innovation. Reflecting on his educational journey, Chris’s passion for entrepreneurship began long before his ventures into medical technology. His first company centred around a fishing multitool he designed. While the venture taught him foundational lessons in entrepreneurship, it also highlighted the challenges of launching a product in a pre-drop shipping era. 

Recognizing the need to expand his skillset, Chris pursued a Master of Business in Entrepreneurship and Technology at the University of Waterloo, building on his undergraduate degree in business.

“That first company wasn’t a massive success, but it gave me the entrepreneurial bug and a strong desire to keep learning,” Chris shared. This determination led him to launch a second company, a technology and database-focused venture, that tapped into emerging AI trends a decade ago.

Meeting Dr. Joao Rezende-Neto was a big turning point in his eventual next big step. “João had incredible ideas,” Chris explained. “The hardest part of entrepreneurship isn’t just the idea; it’s building out a vision and navigating the challenges that come with it.” 

Joao’s expertise paired with Bass’ entrepreneurial background was the perfect match. Together, they founded InventoRR MD, initially as a platform for innovative medical concepts. Over time, AbClo emerged as the flagship project, addressing a critical need in trauma and acute care.

“Trauma isn’t often as flashy as other areas of medicine, but it’s incredibly impactful. We saw an opportunity to make a difference,” Chris noted.

Professional Growth and Leadership

As CEO, Chris Bass has navigated the unique challenges of the medical technology sector. 

“Medtech requires patience, persistence, and the ability to stay committed,” he emphasized. Unlike other industries, where quick iterations are common, medtech demands careful navigation of manufacturing, pilot studies, and regulatory hurdles.

“The flip side is that even a 10% improvement in  medical innovation can save thousands of lives. The impact is profound.”

When asked about pivotal career moments, Chris highlighted the importance of teamwork and connections. He credits Ori Rodstein, former surgeon-in-chief and current vice president of research and innovation at Unity Health Toronto, for bringing him and Dr. Rezende-Neto together. 

“Entrepreneurship is about the team you have. When I met João, I knew instantly he was the guy,” Chris shared.

Role and Impact at AbClo and InventoRR MD

A typical day for Chris is a balancing act. “It’s about keeping all the buckets topped up, research, sales, manufacturing, and fulfillment,” he explained. “The most rewarding part of my day is talking with physicians about our product and hearing how it’s making a difference for them and their patients.”

He fondly recalled the evolution of AbClo’s prototype: “The first version was made of plexiglass-and-industrial staples, a model I still keep on my desk. From there, we refined it to a machine-manufactured version, eventually achieving a sleek, injection-molded design with just a handful of components compared to the original 70.”

Despite the challenges, such as coordinating with busy surgeons or navigating the complexities of MedTech sales, Chris remains energized by the mission. “Meeting prospective customers and surgeons is demanding, but nothing beats seeing our product in action and getting positive feedback.”

Vision and Future

Looking ahead, Chris is optimistic about the future of healthcare technology. “AbClo is our main focus right now, and we’re making exciting iterations to improve its impact further,” he shared. While the company’s niche remains in trauma and acute care, Chris and his team are committed to expanding their influence within these critical areas.

For aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs, Chris’s advice is straightforward: “Be committed to the long-term view. Persistence and the willingness to stick with something will help you make an impact. Talk to your customers early and often. Their feedback will validate your idea and help you refine it. Avoid spending all your time creating something suboptimal because you’re afraid to share your idea.”

Chris Bass’s journey from a fishing multitool entrepreneur to a leader in healthcare innovation underscores the power of perseverance, collaboration, and vision. Through InventoRR MD and AbClo, Chris and his team are not only advancing medical technology but also saving lives. His story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs striving to make a difference in the healthcare industry.